Grootfontein: The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has condemned an incident in which a teacher allegedly sexually assaulted boys at the Wilhelm Nortier Primary School at Grootfontein in the Otjozondjupa region. The ministry in a media release on Monday said it had recently learned of the alleged incident involving boys at the school and described the matter as a serious criminal act.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the teacher implicated in the matter has been arrested and remains in police custody, and preliminary investigations at the school are ongoing, although the alleged perpetrator has tendered his resignation. 'The case is now before the courts and subject to due legal process,' the ministry said, while reassuring parents and the public that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.

Officials are working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that all affected learners receive the necessary protection and psychosocial support, the statement read, stressing that the ministry does not condone any form of abuse against learners, as such acts go against the moral and ethical values that it upholds as a ministry and as a nation.

The public has been urged to remain calm and allow the investigation to take its proper course. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, supportive and accountable learning environments for all learners across the country.